In 985 AD, an Icelandic Viking, Erik Torvaldsson, lured Norse families into attempting the dangerous 750 mile, (1200 km), passage from Iceland to Greenland. The reason they left Iceland is disputed, but it seems to be related to the scarcity of land on the Island. Such good land as there was, had been claimed by often aggressive and intolerant family clans. Violence was common and although there were some laws to protect the inhabitants, these were often flouted in family feuds.

Erik himself...